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Car hire in Barcelona

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Barcelona is the capital of Catalonia, and the second largest city in Spain. The range of attractions that it provides to the visitor has led to its popularity as a destination – from Gaudi’s unfinished masterpiece La Sagrada Familia and museums and galleries to its unrivalled nightlife with music and bars, and golden beaches. Hosting the Olympics in 1992 led to a massive clean-up of the beaches and seafront, and an overall regeneration of the city. The city’s location on the Mediterranean, provides it with a climate that sun worshippers can enjoy for many months of the year.

Top Things to do In Barcelona

You are spoilt for choice in this city of sport, culture and fine food. The Sagrada Familia has to be on everyone’s list, with its surreal and awe-inspiring spires and intertwined sculptures. The markets of La Rambla allow you to browse for bargains and enjoy the colourful bird market, buskers and artists in this part of town. Close to La Rambla is the Barri Gotic, a cluster of Gothic buildings in the old town, with winding narrow streets linking squares lined with cafes and bars. At night, strolling the area around the Avd. Diagonal will provide an enormous variety of music, clubs and discotheques. Barcelona also provides a choice of beaches, from the lively to the more sedate. The Nova Icaria, close to the Olympic marina, offers not only a long stretch of golden sand, but also a wide choice of eateries. Bogatell is protected by a raised promenade, and is a quieter beach; ideal if you want to jog or cycle along the walkway.

Top 3 Must See: Barcelona

La Sagrada Familia

Barri Gotic

Museo Picasso

Drive Around Barcelona

Barcelona is wonderfully situated for the visitor to explore the surrounding region, and even to venture over the border into France. For the visitor considering car hire, Barcelona offers the ideal location. Starting with Sitges, which has some of the best beaches in the area, or Montserrat with its monastery and breathtaking views, a little further afield are numerous small medieval towns and the Roman ruins to visit at Tarragona and Girona. The road network in Spain has been transformed over the years, and driving is generally very straightforward, although as always it’s wise for the motorist to make sure that they are familiar with the national highway code.